MORE EXPERIENCED OF TWO CO-HOSTS: Korea Republic are making their fifth straight appearance in a World Cup compared to only two by co-host Japan. Their six overall World Cup appearances are the most of any Asian nation.

KOREA WINS 2-OUT-OF-3 GAMES AT 2001 CONFEDERATIONS CUP:As a warm-up to the 2002 World Cup, the Korea Republic co-hosted the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup last summer.After dropping a 5-0 decision to the defending World Cup Champions and eventual winners of the FIFA Confederations Cup France in the opener, Korea rebounded and posted back-to-back wins to close out group play.Korea topped Mexico 2-1 and then blanked Australia 1-0, but were unable to advance to the semifinals.

Korea Republic has the most appearances in a World Cup (sixth) by any Asian nation, but did not earn a victory until their 2-0 triumph over Poland to open the World Cup on June 4 (1-10-4 overall).

The Korea Republic is the only team in the history of the World Cup to overcome a two-goal deficit in the final five minutes of action to salvage a result, accomplishing the feat at the 1994 World Cup in the USA.Trailing Spain 2-0 with five minutes remaining, Korea scored back-to-back goals to earn a 2-2 draw on the opening day of competition at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.